1st Akha Speaking Church in Chiangrai

Troy had the wonderful opportunity to be at the Grand Opening of the first Akha speaking Church in Chiangrai, Thailand, this past Friday. It was incredibly special for him to be able to watch this dream come to fruition. Pastor Wiripong was one of the first tribal pastors that met with Troy and began sharing his dreams about reaching the Akha people, something they both had a heart for. Pastor Wiripong started a church in an Akha village several years ago, and Troy was blessed to bring a team in to build it's first permanent Church structure in that village. Two years ago, God began to use others to encourage Pastor Wiripong to start a church - in Chiangrai. Chiangrai has the largest concentration of Ahka speaking people in all of Thailand.

Pastor Wiripong, also Akha, began his ministry about 14 years ago. He felt the call on his life and left his small village in order to attend Bible School in Bangkok. Once completed, he returned to North Thailand to start churches in Akha villages. He has started at least 5 Ahka churches and works with many others.

The Chiangrai Assembly of God Grand Opening had around 60 people and was standing room only. We can't wait to see what is in store for Pastor Wiripong, Chiangrai and the Akha people!

Nathaniel Graduates this month

For many years, people have been asking us, "Where is Nathaniel going to graduate?" Our family had always intended on having Nathaniel attend Grace International School (GIS) here in Chiangmai, for Nathaniel's senior year, allowing him to graduate with his classmates at Grace. This is the same school that Nathaniel attended during his 9th and 10th grade years, so he has established many terrific friendships. Our family was unable to make it back to Thailand until the end of February of this year - halfway through his senior year. GIS has a policy in place, that we were unaware of, that states every graduating senior must attend their entire senior year or they will not be permitted to graduate. Because Nathaniel was unable to attend this entire school year, he is unable to graduate at GIS. When we heard the news, we contacted North Lakes Academy (NLA) - the school that Nathaniel attended his Junior year in the states. In explaining our circumstances, the principal was very sympathetic and said she would take it before the board. We are thrilled to report that Nathaniel is being granted a diploma from North Lakes Academy, Forest Lake, MN. He has enough credits that he no longer has to take classes, and has the ability to spend quality time with his friends before they all depart back to the states for college. Unfortunately, our family will not be able to return to the states for the graduation ceremony, so we have decided to host a private Graduation ceremony for Nathaniel on April 27th at TLC center, here in Chiangmai. Thank you so much for all of the encouraging words and prayers that we have received since all of this began back in February. We are truly blessed!